Hartlepool college students showcase their creative side

A stunning collection of artwork has gone on display this week as students from Hartlepool College of Further Education showcased their creative side.

The School of Art, Design, Computing & IT at the Stockton Street-based college launched its Annual Creative Show this week.

The display this year follows the theme of ‘Hidden’, showcasing art, design and it work across a wide range of creative disciplines, from Level 2 students through to Foundation Degree.

And after the launch night, members of the public are now invited into the impressive college to take a look at the work that has been carried out.

Keith Bradley, head of school for art, design, computing and IT at the college, said: “The North East region is fast establishing itself as a national creative hub, with a wealth of emerging talent year on year, feeding into award winning studios and companies.

“As one of the country’s leading further education colleges, we wish to become an integral part of that development process, providing young people with high-level training and unique opportunities.

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“We cannot wait to invite in the public alongside parents and friends to see the fantastic work which our students are producing.”

In addition to celebrating the work of their own students, the college has this year begun a search for young creative talent from local secondary schools from across the town as well as Peterlee, Billingham, Thornaby, Norton, Stockton, Sedgefield, Wingate and Seaham.

In this section of the show, youngsters have the opportunity to become ‘Young Creative’ and ‘Young Programmer’ of the year.

Over the last three months students have been invited to answer an open brief for both disciplines under the keyword theme of ‘Hidden’, with two categories spanning years 7-9 and 10-11 respectively.

One of the exhibits

Keith added: “As much as we want to celebrate the talent within the college, we also want to look at discovering and backing new talent, giving other pupils the tools they need to excel.

Keen to strengthen their relationship with secondary schools, bosses at the College will provide a host of ‘open door’ opportunities for schoolchildren from September with plans in place for regular hands-on workshops and projects using state of the art facilities and industry standard software.